Archive for the ‘Queen Anne Massage Blog’ Category

happy New Years!!!

Last year at New Year’s I wrote a blog about all the New Year’s superstitions I have heard from clients over time. Funny thing is, I really tried to cover all my basis. I got my whole house cleaned and organized, even the fish tank was sparkling before the strike of midnight. I had my black eyed peas soaking to be cooked on New Year’s day. I had rigged the whole, first visitor over will be a handsome dark haired guy, by strategically having my husband invite a friend of his to breakfast who fit the description, but to my surprise, our first visitor was a good friend of mine who had just had her hair done, extra blonde (if you remember if the first visitor of the new year is a blonde or redheaded woman, it foretells an unlucky year!) Gosh, I wish I didn’t believe in this stuff, but I did have a rather tricky year, I wouldn’t say completely unlucky, but even for a pollyanna like myself, I have to admit I had some tough trials and tribulations & it wasn’t until just the other day when my blonde friend and I were remembering last new years, I literally opened the door to her with a look of horror, which we can laugh about now, but I did look back and think, maybe there is something to that superstition…Please let my first visitor be a dark haired handsome guy & if you are redheaded or blonde woman, can we just hang out later in the week, puhlease?!So I was telling some of my client’s about all the superstitions & of course they wanted to know, to cover their basis, so I am going to put them out there again, here you go, Good Luck!Over the years, my clients have blessed me with all kinds of lucky superstitions about the New Year, now I feel neurotic having to do all these things, to ensure a Lucky New Year!Did you know the tradition of kissing a loved one at midnight was to ensure strong affections for the whole year, if you go to sleep before midnight without kissing your loved one, it’s going to be a lack luster year for your relationship…The first person to enter your house after the strike of midnight, should be a handsome, dark haired man, never, ever a blonde or red headed woman (equals the worst luck!). This handsome male guest should also be bringing coal, well okay! Sounds lucky to me.On New Year’s Day, you have to, have to eat Black Eyed Peas with Pork and never chicken. I learned this from a client who is from the South and now I just have to do this one! Black eyed peas ensure your good fortune! Pork is because Pigs root forward & it means your year will move forward well (chickens scratch backwards, so if you eat chicken on New Years you will be living in the past).Your house should be cleaned, organized & swept before midnight! (never sweep dirt out the door though, that sweeps luck with it). You should have a fully stocked pantry for the New Year. However you should not clean on actual New Year’s Day, only the eve before. All debts from the previous year should be paid in full before the New Year, perhaps harder to do in this day and age…Nothing should leave your house on New Year’s Day!

You should not wash your hair on New Years.

Was it wear new underwear or old underwear? shoot, now I can’t remember! I do know Red underwear will bring romance, passion and fertility…Polka Dot underwear on New Years day brings $$$ Money!Why does everyone have noisemakers @ the strike of Midnight? It was always thought that making lots of noise as you ring in the New Year would keep evil spirits away. Chinese New Years you throw firecrackers or pop its at every door to guard against evil. In Greece you throw a Pomegranate at the doorstep for the same, which is kinda convenient b/c I always buy too many Pomegranates for Xmas decorating, though it is messy to clean pomegranate off your porch later....If lots of seeds go everywhere it will be a very prosperous year, if it just smashes in one lump not so good, so throw hard and maybe at an angle?In Mexico, they believe in having every light of the house on during the New Years eve into the New Year with lots of candles, so your year will be filled with light.In Yoga classes, we would always do a ton of Sun Salutations, a wonderful invigorating way to start the New Year & make a commitment to Yoga.

I've also heard you should spend New Years day doing exactly what you would like to be doing all year, so if you are a runner, go for a run! I look forward to spending the day with my boys & I will enjoy hanging out with them all year!

Immunity Oil contains Eucalyptus Globulus, Red Eucalyptus, Ravensara, Oregano, Clove, Tulsi (Holy Basil) ,cinnamon leaf, lemongrass, Orange & Fir Balsam. These oils were used during the time of the plague, by thieves, to ward off illness as they took watches, shoes and clothing of those who had died plague, pretty morbid history, but it does illustrate the effectiveness of these essential oils for decades before! My favorite application of Immunity oil is to put it on your feet when doing the wool sock remedy, anytime you feel a cold coming on. This is a strong oil, so I do not recommend putting it anywhere near your face, better for chest & feet. Immunity spritzer is great for clearing a space where illness has been.

Funny side story, I was clearing my windowsill, so I would be able to place the Aromatherapy bottles in the window for a Full Moon infusion, when I found a baby grasshopper! He was so cute, I got side tracked into making a little terrarium for him to live. Then I just had to read the shamanic meaning of grasshopper…Turns out Full Moons were known to coax beautiful music out of a grasshopper, wonder if I will hear his sweet melody on Friday night. They are also bearers of Good Luck, Prosperity, Health & Fertility! How funny since these oil blends are about prosperity, health & fertility! I like to think these blends have been infused with grasshopper magic also, since he sat peacefully in his terrarium, eating clover leaves & watching me pour oils.

It took all day to make these special blends & I can only hope they last through Christmas time, because last year when I made my oil blends I sold out in two weeks & didn’t have time to make for Christmas shopping, so stock up now! Oils will be available for purchase beginning w/ this Saturday's First Degree Reiki Class.

Space Clearing to remove Ghosts!

How funny that this Dios De Los Muertos day I was called to do a space clearing here in Bend at a house that had a Ghost!

The best way to remove a Ghosty is the Blue Flame Technique!

blue flame space clearing

I call this clearing technique “the big guns” because it is reserved for clearing after a death, prolonged illness, if you sense an entity/ghost in your house or if you have just moved in and you want to clear out all that has been there before. There is fire involved so always have a fire extinguisher handy.

I use a heavy duty, fireproof clay pot...Place one cup Rock Salt into your pot, pour rubbing alcohol over the salt, just enough to cover. Place the pot in the room you wish to clear, on a fireproof surface. Light a match and drop it into the rock salt. A large blue flame will appear. Keep your intention on the blue flame to clear out any unwanted energies, you may ask the blue flame, “Please draw into your flame any negativity, energy, entities that do not belong here in this space, let this space be cleared by the blue flame.” Meditate upon the blue flame imagining all negativity and unwanted energies going into the blue flame and dissolving. When you feel the space has cleared, dowse the salt with water, using potholders bring the pot to the sink to be sure it’s completely out.

Remember, if you ask a ghost to depart a space, they usually will... If your house feels haunted you may want to schedule a space clearing.

1 Clear the Clutter
As Karen Kingston says in her book Clear your Clutter with Feng Shui, “Clutter is stuck energy!” When I do space clearing for people, I always ask that they leave the clutter where it is just until we do the clearing. Clutter tells a story in the Bagua, maybe someone is trying to get a new job, but they have old newspapers and magazines filling up their career corner, maybe they want a relationship but their dining room table which is in their relationship corner is covered with work files…Feng Shui is so psychological!
Remember these simple 4 questions for each item in your house “do I love it? Do I use it? Do I need it? Does it evoke a positive feeling or make me smile?” If you can’t answer a resounding Yes, then donate it, recycle it or trash it! Here’s another fun way to get rid of a few things, put several things you don’t use in a box that you put out of sight for 6 months. When you get the box out, see if you can remember each item that is in there, anything you can’t remember must not be important so you then get rid of it!
2 Clear the Space with Sound
I went to the best housewarming party once, where everyone was asked to bring an instrument, rattle, sound maker, could be a rain-stick or just 2 spoons to clink together. 30 or so of us just made music (or you might say noise) throughout this newly bought home, the space felt so clear afterwards.
I like to use Tibetan bells to go through a space and listen to the energy of it. When you clink the 2 bells together it should be a long chime, but in some areas of the house the chime may fall flat or dense. That is where you need the most clearing! Other sound tools are chimes, brass bowls, tuning forks, drums. You can clear a space by chanting OHM, which imbues infinite, unlimited positive energy. You can clear a space by clapping your hands (this works well at the office if you need a quick clearing after a hard meeting). Or just turn on the stereo with your favorite tunes, sing along and see how that shifts the space.
3 Clearing with the Blue Flame (fire)
I call this clearing technique “the big guns” because it is reserved for clearing after a death, prolonged illness, if you sense an entity/ghost in your house or if you have just moved in and you want to clear out all that has been there before. There is fire involved so always have a fire extinguisher, water and a blanket handy.
I use a heavy duty clay pot, you could use a thick aluminum pan, but it will get hot! Place one cup Rock Salt into your pot, pour rubbing alcohol over the salt, just enough to cover. Place the pot in the room you wish to clear, on a fireproof surface. Light a match and drop it into the rock salt. A large blue flame will appear. Keep your intention on the blue flame to clear out any unwanted energies, you may ask the blue flame, “Please draw into your flame any negativity, energy, entities that do not belong here in this space, let this space be cleared by the blue flame.” Meditate upon the blue flame imagining all negativity and unwanted energies going into the blue flame and dissolving. When you feel the space has cleared, dowse the salt with water, using potholders bring the pot to the sink to be sure it’s completely out.

blue flame space clearing

4 Smudging, Incense & Aromatherapy (Air)
Smoke has traditionally been used in spiritual practices such as the incense at Catholic churches, burning sage at funeral ceremonies and sticks of incense at Buddhist temples. The smoke can carry our prayers to Great Spirit.
Sage is the most common smudge used in Native American ceremonies. I like Sage for clearing out a space, especially after a death or negativity. Sweet grass is a healing smudge and Cedar is good for grounding. Traditionally you would use a smudge stick held over an abalone shell, using a feather to waft the smoke about the room. You can use the burning smudge to clear yourself, using the feather to waft smoke from your feet to the top of your head.
Another favorite smudging stick is Palo Santo, which means “holy wood” it comes from Peru. It is said that while Sage clears out, Palo Santo brings good things in, such as abundance, health and love. Palo Santo always gives me amazing dreams, so I like to burn it at night in gratitude for my day.
You can also burn incense to clear a space my favorite is Shoyeido.
Aromatherapy is a wonderful way to clear a space, either using a vaporizer or spritzer. Lemongrass and Cedar are the best purifiers to clear out old, stagnant energy.
5 Purifying with Sun/ Moon Water O'PonoOpono

Opono'opono Blue Bottles

Water like smoke has ancient spiritual properties, such as Holy Water used for baptismal, Mikveh sacred bathing ritual or the water at Lourdes that is used for healing. Water cleansing rituals are most effective in Spring.
Hawaiian Kahunas believe in placing water in blue bottles in the sunlight to create solar charged healing water (O’ponopono) that you can drink to clear dark spots on your soul. This water can be used for clearing a space, too.
Salt water is great for space clearing, place 3 tablespoons of sea salt or Himalayan pink salt (or combination) in a bowl of water. You can sprinkle the water around your room with intention saying a mantra such as “by the power of this salt and water may this room be cleansed, let these healing waters clear this space.” Salt water is perfect for clearing crystals or trinkets. Epsom Salt baths are a great way to clear your body, detoxifying and renewing!
A water fountain is another way to bring the power of water into your home, especially beneficial in the wealth corner.
6 Stones and Plants to clear & protect your space (Earth)
Selenite Stone can be used to create a protective grid inside your home. You place Selenite on all the windowsills and doorways within your home.
Several plants are protective in nature. For outside my favorite combination is Lavender and Rosemary to protect. Inside any plants that contain white in the leaves such as Philodendron, Dracaena, Spider plants, these will clear the air, natural oxygenators they also protect from radiation.
Himalayan Pink Salt Rock lamps are also wonderful air purifiers and they produce negative ions (like a day at the beach!)
7 Sealing and protecting your space with Reiki Symbols or other meaningful symbols.
In Reiki 2 we learn traditional Reiki symbols for protecting a space and making it impermeable by outside forces. If you don’t have access to the Reiki symbols, you can choose other spiritual symbols to protect your space, such as a cross, an Om symbol or an image of a golden rose. Egyptians used the symbol of the beetle or cabachon to protect. All of these symbols have been used traditionally to protect a space or person. You just draw the symbol on every window and door throughout your home, with the intention of protecting the space.
8 Bring in the Energizers
Now that your space is cleared, cleaned and protected you are ready for some Energizers. Energizers are those items that uplift, stimulate energy and bring joy to your life. Some examples are plants, lights, moving water (fountain or aquarium), flowers, art and pets. Energizers raise the energy frequency in a home. I personally love Peonies when it is Peony season (usually late May) I have Peonies all over my home. Peonies lift my spirits. What lifts your spirit?
If you are interested in purchasing Smudging supplies we will be selling Sage & Palo Santo in our store very soon.
We also sell a variety of Aromatherapy Spritzers, you can personalize your own blend with a choice of over 50 oils!

Celebrating this Baby Boom w/ Baby Legs!

I was just online shopping for 3 more new moms I know & one of my favorite baby shower gifts is Baby Legs! I didn't understand them myself when I was given them as a baby shower gift, but then I learned the genius of my baby wearing leg warmers, as diaper changes are a breeze!

Since Babylegs was having a wonderful sale & I have had so many lovely pregnancy massage clients lately, I decided to do a Babyleg special, when you book your Prenatal Massage between now & Mother's Day you will receive a Free pair of BABYLEGS leg warmers (while supplies last!)

And if you are purchasing a Mother's Day Massage Gift Certificate, we have great deals until 5/5/16!

Pregnancy Massage does more than just feel good!

Tiffany Field PhD researcher for the Touch Institute in Department of Pediatrics led a study of the benefits of Prenatal Massage for both mother & baby. Massage therapy has been proven to be beneficial during pregnancy.

Women who received massage therapy reported decreased depression,
anxiety, reduced leg and back pain. Cortisol levels decreased and excessive fetal activity decreased. Sleep and sense of well being improved. The rate
of prematurity was lower in the massage group. In a study of labors, women who received massage therapy experienced significantly
less pain, less distress and their labors were on average 3 hours shorter with less need for medications.

• Massage therapy is the most common alternative therapy recommended
during pregnancy.
• Massage therapy has been demonstrated to be effective during
pregnancy. The women reported decreased depression, anxiety and less leg and back pain.
• In our study on labor pain, women receiving massage therapy
experienced significantly less pain and their labors were on average 3
hours shorter with less need for medication.
• The most important finding was the lower incidence of prematurity
and low birthweight in the massaged women.
• Postpartum depression and cortisol levels were decreased in the
massaged women. The newborns of the massaged mothers also had lower
cortisol levels than the newborns of the control mothers.